Humboldt Fair in Ferndale Faces Future Without Racing
Elle
Dec 4th 2025
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The Humboldt County Fair in Ferndale may continue this summer, but its horse-racing tradition that lasted more than a century has effectively ended. In a narrow 4-3 vote, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) denied the fair’s request for three weekends of racing in 2025.
Racing at the fairground events in Ferndale, California, home of the Humboldt County Fair, dates back to 1896.
The CHRB’s rejection this year marks the first time in over 120 years that the event will proceed without live horse racing.
Supporters had appealed strongly for the dates, saying live racing helped sustain the fair financially and culturally.
In recent years, organizers had proposed a racing schedule across several weekends, hoping to revive the commitment even after larger tracks in Northern California shuttered.
At the board meeting, CHRB cited concerns over shrinking resources, a lack of horses willing to race in the region, and broader financial viability for Northern California venues.
The denial follows similar decisions that removed racing from other regional fairs once supported by the now-defunct California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF).
Organizers warn that the loss of racing puts the fair’s overall viability at risk. Without revenue and crowds associated with the races, they say the fair may struggle to attract sponsors or maintain attendance.
According to fair officials, racing accounted for a significant portion of income, funding not just the races themselves but other fair attractions.
In response, the fair’s board is working on alternative activities. A recent town-hall produced several proposals: from tractor pulls to live music, kinetic-sculpture races, bull-riding fairground events, and expanded children’s programming.
Organizers say they’re doing “their best” to fill the grandstands this year, but concede uncertainty remains.
It is still unclear if these will draw enough attendance or sponsorship to cover the loss of racing revenue. HCFA CEO acknowledged the fair may face a challenging season.
The issues that the fair is struggling with are a local state trend that can be seen across the whole state. The closure of the Golden Gate Fields in 2024 that was for a long time a main attraction of the Northern California racing, and the money losing situation at other places, led to the downfall of the regional circuit.
Due to financial difficulties, CARF has decided not to submit an application for racing dates in 2025.
Even if the fairs are equipped to handle the encounters by themselves, big problems are still present. Fewer racehorses, lower purses, and a reduced number of people being enthusiastic about attending live racing.
What once was a robust infrastructure supporting decades of local racing, including fairground events in Ferndale, has largely vanished.
The next steps for the Humboldt County Fair will be largely influenced by the success of the alternative events in attracting both the community and sponsors. It can be anticipated that the people of Ferndale and the communities in the vicinity will be instrumental in backing up these events. A successful retooling could define what the fair looks like post-racing, but much remains uncertain.
People living there, ex-students, and local stakeholders from Ferndale as well as nearby areas will probably keep a very close eye on it. Advocates of the racing that takes place in Northern California may urge the government to take action or request the CHRB to change its decision.
At minimum, 2025 will mark the end of a chapter: the first fair in well over a century to move forward without its horse racing tradition.
